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My Name is Nicole and helping people optimize their Health and Wellness is my Passion! While working as a Professor of Health and Wellness at a University in beautiful Western North Carolina I developed my Balancing Wellness Retreat as a fun way to teach my students about all their areas of wellness and give them experience nourishing them. This program was designed based off years of research, personal experience and what I have found works best for me on my life long wellness journey! Here is my story:

Growing up I took my health for granted. I loved sports, which kept me constantly active, and my mom made sure I had a healthy diet. This all changed in college. My senior year I tore my ACL playing soccer and had knee surgery. For the first time in my life I had limited mobility and my poor college diet quickly caught up with me. Before I knew it I was 30lbs overweight and feeling lost.  Mind you, that same year, I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science. Regardless of having the knowledge, putting it into action to loose my extra weight proved to be a challenge I needed help with. 

Selfishly, I started looking for jobs at weight loss camps but had a hard time getting behind programs that simply restricted food and forced exercise. Then I found it, a therapeutic weight loss company that took a more holistic approach, combining Nutrition and Exercise with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  For the next four years I worked at their Summer Camps and Boarding School as a personal trainer and PE teacher. Not only did I shed my extra pounds, but I had the privilege of helping countless Children and Young Adults change their lives and become happier and healthier versions of themselves as well. I loved it; I loved being on the front lines, helping others while role modeling a healthy active lifestyle. At the time I didn't realize it, but I was living a Balanced life and thriving! 

Unfortunately, the boarding school shut down. So, I decided to go back to School. I found a new personal training gig at a local rec center and spent the next 3 years teaching Health and Wellness courses to University freshman while obtaining a Masters Degree in Teaching K-12 Health and Physical Education. It was here that my holistic view of Health grew. It wasn't just about weight loss anymore, it was about keeping your whole self healthy. Your Physical, Mental/ Emotional, Intellectual, Spiritual, Occupational, Social, and Financial wellness all mattered! Little did I know this knowledge was about to be put to the test. 

After finishing my Masters I began a 3 year Physical Education PhD program. I set out to design a Wellness Education Curriculum that would take a holistic approach to teaching K-12 children about their Health and Wellness. It turns out these next three years tested everything I knew about keeping myself healthy and I failed. My PhD program truly changed my life. Yes, I learned a lot about Physical Education, theory and research, but more importantly I learned about myself. I learned how much I love being healthy, because by the end of the three years my health had hit rock bottom and I was willing to do whatever it took to get it back. Over those three years my Wellness became completely unbalanced. I focused so heavily on my Intellectual/occupational wellness that the other 5 areas of my wellness suffered.

Physically I was a mess. I had tore my other ACL teaching a gymnastics class, I gained almost 50lbs, I had a horrible diet and I drank way too much alcohol. Mental/ Emotionally I was a wreck, I was diagnosed with sever depression and struggled to get myself out of bed. Spiritually, I was completely disconnected and financially I had burnt through my savings and was struggling to pay rent.

Needless to say I hit MY rock bottom. I had to get my life back, the life I loved! So one step at a time I applied my wellness knowledge and pulled myself out of darkness. I wont lie, it wasn't easy. It took consistency and persistence, but one day at time I gave myself a lifestyle makeover! All it takes is an open mind and a desire to make a change! If you have that, the Balancing Wellness Program is for you! 

Find your path to a healthier and happier future with the help of my  "Holistic Mindfulness" journal. This journal has been designed to guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This journal is your key to achieving lasting change in your life.

Features include:

1. Goal Setting for Successful Behavior Change: Set yourself up for success by setting a S.M.A.R.T goal and specific intentions. Whether you're looking to enhance your physical well-being, improve your mental and emotional wellness, or achieve a career milestone, this journal will help keep you mindful and on track. 

2. Journal Prompts:  Enjoy the bonus journal prompts and drive deeper into the thoughts and feelings behind your actions. There are journal prompts for all areas of your wellness. 

3. Gratitude: Cultivate a deep sense of self-love and strengthen a positive mindset through daily expressions of gratitude. Practice acknowledging the good things in your life even when times are challenging.

4. Exercise Log: Be more mindful of your movement. Incorporating daily movement of any kind into your life can help improve overall well-being! 

5. Nutrition Log: Nourish your body with intention. Become more mindful of your nutrition and hydration. 

6. Sleep Log: Prioritize sleep and gain insight into your sleep patterns. A good night's sleep is essential for a healthier and happier you.

7. Emotion Tracker: become more mindful of your emotional landscape by recording your daily feelings. Identifying patterns in your emotions can lead to better stress management and emotional intelligence.

8. Daily Inspiration: Compile quotes, affirmations, or prompts that inspire you to stay focused on your goals.

9. Daily Reflection for Personal Growth: Reflect on your daily experiences and lessons learned. Personal growth occurs when you pause to examine your journey and make intentional choices.

Begin your journey towards a healthier and happier future today. The "Holistic Mindfulness" journal will help guide you on a transformational journey of personal growth and mindful development. 

Check out my Bookshop and get your copy today by clicking Buy Now! 

* Holistic Mindfulness is also available for pre-order on Amazon and other retailers like Barnes and Noble. The official release for these retailers is Jan. 15th 2025.

As a Wellness Educator, I understand the importance of balancing all areas of wellness.  That's why I love offering Community and Private Self-Care workshops. Within these workshops you will enjoy a variety of powerful self-care practices and learn how to quickly and easily incorporate them into your day to day life. 

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget about self-care. But neglecting your Wellness and letting your life get out of balance can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression and a multitude of other health issues. These workshops are designed to help you prioritize your self-care and learn how to balance all areas of wellness.

You'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. We will nourish our Social Wellness by engaging in group activities and informal discussions that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your own needs and how you can best nourish them.

Create your own custom event,  it's time to prioritize self-care and make health and wellness a top priority. Join me and take the first step towards a healthier and happier life.

Welcome to your one-stop destination for crafting personalized self-care experiences tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you're planning a corporate wellness retreat, a private party, or a special gathering, our custom self-care events are designed to leave you and your guests feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and empowered to take charge of your well-being through powerful self-care practices.

Corporate Wellness Enhance team productivity and morale with our corporate wellness programs. Activities include yoga sessions to reduce stress, meditation for mental clarity, and positive affirmations to boost confidence and teamwork.

Private Parties Celebrate in style with a focus on wellness. Our private parties are perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or just a relaxing get-together with friends. Enjoy creative expression through art projects, sound healing to calm the mind, and healthy, delicious meals that nourish the body.

Special Gatherings Whether it's a retreat or a special occasion, we provide a range of activities that promote holistic health and well-being. Experience the therapeutic benefits of self-massage, engage in mindfulness practices, and explore other customized self-care activities tailored to your group’s interests.

• Yoga: From gentle flows to invigorating practices, our yoga sessions cater to all levels.
• Meditation: Guided sessions that promote inner peace and mental clarity.
• Mindfulness: Practical exercises and techniques to help you stay present and focused.
• Positive Affirmations: Exercises designed to reinforce positive thinking and self-empowerment.
• Creative Expression: Art projects that foster creativity and self-expression.
• Sound Healing: Use of therapeutic sounds to promote deep relaxation and healing.
• Healthy Meals: Nutritious and delicious meals that fuel your body and delight your taste buds.
• Therapeutic Self-Massage: Techniques to release tension and enhance well-being.
• Spa Time:  Indulge in the art of creating a luxurious salt or sugar scrub, transforming your home spa into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. 

To complement our mindfulness activities, we offer a "Holistic Mindfulness" journal. This journal is designed to help you become more mindful in your everyday life. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to mindfulness practices, you can cultivate a greater sense of presence, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. The benefits of mindfulness include improved focus, emotional regulation, and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.

Events are thoughtfully curated to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from each activity. We believe in the transformative power of self-care and strive to provide experiences that not only relax and rejuvenate but also empower you with practices to maintain your well-being long after the event.

Join me for an unforgettable self-care event and discover the joy of nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Contact us today to start planning your custom self-care experience!

Welcome to your one-week self-care challenge, meticulously designed to help you prioritize your well-being and develop sustainable self-care habits. This challenge is your gateway to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, providing you with the knowledge and motivation needed to make self-care a lasting part of your daily routine.

Lifetime Access to Comprehensive Resources Gain lifetime access to an array of valuable resources crafted to support your self-care journey long after the challenge is complete. These resources are designed to be your go-to guides whenever you need a boost in maintaining your self-care routine.

7 Informative and Motivating Video Challenges Over the course of one week, you will receive seven video challenges. Each video is designed to introduce a new self-care concept or activity, ensuring that you stay motivated and informed every step of the way. 

Supplementary "How To" Guides Alongside each video challenge, you will receive a detailed "How To" guide. These guides are packed with step-by-step instructions, tips, and additional resources to help you implement the self-care practices introduced in the videos. 

Daily Focus Areas Each day of the challenge will focus on a specific area of self-care,  this holistic approach ensures that all aspects of your well-being are nurtured and supported.

• Prioritize Yourself: Learn how to put your needs first and make time for self-care in your busy schedule.
• Cultivate Healthy Habits: Develop habits that support your overall well-being and can be sustained long-term.
• Enhance Well-Being: Experience improvements in physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and creative fulfillment.
• Boost Motivation: Stay motivated with daily challenges and expert guidance.

Join me  for this transformative one-week self-care challenge and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Prioritize your well-being, cultivate healthy habits, and discover the profound impact that dedicated self-care can have on your life. Start your journey today and embrace the path to a more balanced and fulfilled life!

If you live in or are visiting Cullowhee, NC I would LOVE to see you in Class!

Classes are held at the Jackson County Rec Center

88 Cullowhee Mountain Rd

Cullowhee, NC 28779

Sunday:

60 min. Pilates 1pm 

90 min. Gentle Yoga 2pm

Classes are FREE to Members

Non-Member- $8

Non-Member Senior- $5

Support Free Community Programs!

Self-care is often not a priority for people with limited financial resources, which means that the ones who need it most are the least likely to have access. That’s why I’m passionate about offering free community programs that make wellness and self-care accessible to everyone. In the past, I’ve hosted a walking group for new moms and organized self-care days for locals.

Currently, fund are being used to put together care packages for families devastated but Hurricane Helene.  I’m committed to continuing to identify community needs and using donations to meet them.

Your generous support can make a real difference by allowing these programs to reach those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to prioritize their wellness. Together, we can create a space where self-care and community connection are available to all, regardless of financial situation. Thank you for considering helping to make these programs possible!